Did you miss the premiere of Star Wars in 1977? Perhaps you found it odd, were reluctant to wait in line for tickets, or — if you’re younger than 50 — you simply weren’t born at that time.
You will have another opportunity on February 19, as Disney is re-releasing the original film along with a 70-millimetre Imax version to celebrate its anniversary.
“It is truly special to commemorate the 50th anniversary by bringing the original version of Star Wars back to theaters so audiences can witness this significant moment in film history on the big screen,” stated Lynwen Brennan, co-president of Lucasfilm, in a press announcement.
This isn’t the first occasion that Star Wars — now also referred to as Star Wars: A New Hope — has returned to cinemas. For its 20th anniversary in 1997, creator George Lucas re-released it with various modifications, including CGI enhancements, new scenes, and — notoriously — the scene where Greedo shoots at Han Solo first in the Mos Eisley Cantina.
Disney — which acquired the franchise and Lucasfilm in 2012 — has announced that the upcoming release will be a “restored version” of the film from 1977.
The franchise is currently overseen by Brennan and Dave Filoni following Kathleen Kennedy’s departure in January.
This re-release is part of a series of projects slated for 2027, which will also feature a new season of the live-action series Ahsoka, a documentary on the creation of A New Hope, and the theatrical debut of Star Wars: Starfighter.
Ryan Gosling, left, and Shawn Levy engage in conversation on stage at Comic-Con in San Diego, California, on July 25, 2026. Levy will direct Gosling in the upcoming Star Wars film next year. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
The new film is set to be released in theaters on May 28 and will feature two Canadians.
Ryan Gosling (The Fall Guy, Blade Runner 2049) is set to portray a cynical rogue (sounds familiar?) with a mysterious background who embarks on a galactic quest, under the direction of Montreal-born Shawn Levy, known for his work on Big Fat Liar, Night at the Museum, and most recently, Deadpool & Wolverine.
According to Lucasfilm, the film will take place five years after the events depicted in 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.
This will be the first Star Wars film to hit theaters since last year’s The Mandalorian and Grogu, which ended the hiatus following Rise of Skywalker, but only managed to earn $345.8 million globally, marking it as the franchise’s least profitable live-action film to date.
The franchise has recently enjoyed greater success on television and is set to debut the second season of Ahsoka on Disney+ on January 20, featuring both Rosario Dawson as the titular former Jedi and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker.
The storyline will continue from where the first season concluded, with Ahsoka pursuing Grand Admiral Thrawn, a former Empire leader who has resumed hostilities against the Rebel Alliance.
The series will also introduce Rory McCann as the newly cast antagonist Baylan Skol, following the passing of Ray Stevenson in 2023.
The documentary titled The Hero Awakens is scheduled for release on Disney+ on May 4, which is also celebrated as Star Wars Day.
Directed by R.J. Cutler, renowned for documentaries like 1993’s The War Room and The September Issue, it will reportedly showcase previously unseen archival footage and audio from the making of the original 1977 film.
A new poster for the 1977 film Star Wars by artist Matt Ferguson celebrates its return to cinemas in 2027. (Walt Disney Studios)